Comparison of Oral Findings in Special Needs Children With and Without Gastrostomy

Authors: Jawadi, Amal H.; Casamassimo, Paul S.; Griffen, Ann; Enrile, Benedicta; Marcone, Mario

Source: Pediatric Dentistry, Volume 26, Number 3, May/June 2004 , pp. 283-288(6)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Abstract:

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare aspiration pneumonia (AP)-associated microflora, calculus, and oral hygiene/care seeking behaviors in special health care needs children (SC) with gastrostomy (GT) and without.

Methods: Twenty-seven GT SC, ages 3 to 12 years old and matched for age and gender with 27 non-GT SC, were examined by 2 trained investigators who recorded calculus and gingival inflammation and reconciled differences. Plaque was obtained using preweighed dry paper points and saliva sampled using sterile pipettes and cultured using standard bioassay procedures in a hospital laboratory. Parent/caretakers completed a medical and oral health questionnaire.

Results: No significant differences were noted for age, gender, weight, primary diagnosis, vomiting, constipation, or swallowing disorder, but GT children received 4 medications vs 1 for non-GT and were significantly more likely to have had AP, need special feeding, and drool (P≤.05). Oral health measures were not significantly different for brushing frequency, dentifrice use, brushing problems, frequency of dental care, or gingival inflammation, but GT patients had significantly more plaque and calculus. GT patients had significantly more Haemophilus influenzae, with trends toward more gram negative enteric rods, pseudomonas, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and higher concentrations in several GT-patients and little or none in non-GT patients. GT SC had significantly less β-streptococci than non-GT patients (P≤.05).

Conclusions: GT SC had significantly more of 1 AP-associated organism than non-GT SC and significantly more calculus and plaque, in spite of similar care seeking and hygiene behaviors.

Keywords: GASTROSTOMY; CALCULUS; ORAL HYGIENE; PNEUMONIA

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-05-01

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Pediatric Dentistry is the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is published bi-monthly and is internationally recognized as the leading journal in the area of pediatric dentistry. The journal promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, case reports and abstracts of current pediatric dental research.
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Comparison of Oral Findings in Special Needs Children With and Without Gastrostomy

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